Sports ministry stands firm on selection criteria for Asian Games

The 492-member squad for the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya has been officially announced, despite several athletes expressing disappointment over not being selected. On Monday, the sports ministry clarified that they would adhere to the selection criteria established a year ago. A ministry source explained that if an athlete meets the criteria, they will be selected, regardless of external pressures.

The ministry emphasized that only the top six athletes in Asia would be chosen for each event, and the Asian Games should not be seen as a venue for athletes to gain experience. The Sports Authority of India had previously outlined the selection criteria, stating that athletes in the top six in Asia based on rankings or those who have finished in the top six in Asian competitions or at an Asian Championship will be selected.

The ministry also allowed for exceptional cases, where an athlete could be included based on recommendations from experts from the relevant federation. However, there are still some room for additions, pending approval from the Olympic Council of Asia. Criticism has been raised, such as former doubles tennis player Rohan Bopanna's concern over the omission of five players who didn't meet the top-8 criteria but were on the initial list sent by the All India Tennis Association to the government.

The ministry's source maintained that the rules must be followed, as the goal was to assemble a lean contingent and everyone had ample time to qualify after the criteria were announced a year ago. This decision has also affected other sports, with tennis player Anush Agarwalla seeking a court order for her inclusion in India's equestrian team, but her appeal was dismissed.